This Caramelized Apple Pastry Roll is a nostalgic, tender, and flavorful bake perfect for cozy afternoons, holidays, or any time you crave something comforting and sweet. With a buttery, soft dough gently rolled around a warm cinnamon apple filling, each bite bursts with golden caramel notes and the aroma of a home bakery. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, this pastry is reminiscent of classic European apple treats but easy enough for any home baker to prepare from scratch.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
1 pastry roll, sliced into 6–8 pieces
Cuisine
This recipe is inspired by Central and Eastern European home baking, where sweet yeasted or quick doughs are often filled with seasonal fruits like apples, plums, or berries, and baked into rolls or braided breads. It’s a rustic classic that echoes flavors from German Apfelstrudel to Polish rogaliki.
A full list of ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
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1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
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1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
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2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
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A pinch of cinnamon (or more to taste)
For the Dough:
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1 large egg
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A pinch of salt
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8 g vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
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50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
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2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
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50 g (3 1/2 tablespoons) melted butter
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4 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
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250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
For Serving:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-step cooking directions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Cook the diced apple in a skillet with the butter, sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk the egg, salt, vanilla sugar, and sugar until foamy. Add milk and melted butter, stirring to combine. Gradually stir in flour and baking powder, kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms.
3. Assemble the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle. Evenly spread the cooled apple filling over the dough. Fold or roll the dough into a log, pinching the edges to seal. Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve
Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional information (per slice, 8 slices total)
Calories: 180
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 8g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 60mg
The origins and popularity of the recipe
Fruit-filled pastry rolls are a beloved staple across Eastern Europe and parts of Western Europe, often featured in Sunday baking, seasonal holidays, and grandmother’s kitchen traditions. The use of apples, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon echoes German, Austrian, and Hungarian sweets. This streamlined version uses a baking powder dough instead of yeast, making it accessible and fast while still delivering that tender, bakery-quality bite.
Reasons why you’ll love the recipe
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Fast & easy: No yeast or long rising time needed.
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Comforting flavors: Apple, cinnamon, and vanilla are timeless and crowd-pleasing.
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Homemade charm: Rustic yet beautiful enough for serving guests.
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Flexible: Enjoy warm or room temp, and great with coffee or tea.
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Budget-friendly: Made with pantry basics and one apple!
Health benefits
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Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
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Cinnamon may support blood sugar balance.
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Homemade baking avoids preservatives and excess processed sugar.
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Portion control – baked as one roll and sliced, it encourages mindful snacking.
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Dairy customization – can be made with plant-based milk and butter if needed.
Serving suggestions
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Breakfast treat: Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
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Afternoon tea: Perfect with chai, coffee, or a cinnamon-spiced latte.
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Holiday dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle.
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Gift idea: Wrap in parchment and twine for a homemade edible present.
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Potluck star: Slice and plate beautifully for parties.
Cooking tips
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Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
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Don’t overbake – check at 15 minutes to avoid drying out.
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Chill the filling – warm apples can make the dough soggy.
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Dust flour as needed – but don’t over-flour the surface or the dough can toughen.
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Brush with milk or butter before baking for a shinier crust.
Variations to try
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Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling.
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Use pear or peach instead of apple for seasonal changes.
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Spice it up with a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.
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Mini versions: Cut dough into squares, fill, and fold into hand pies.
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Vegan version: Use plant milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer.
Conclusion
This Caramelized Apple Pastry Roll is proof that simple ingredients can create something magical. From its soft, sweet dough to the golden apple-cinnamon center, it delivers everything you want in a cozy homemade treat. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or indulging in a quiet moment for yourself, this recipe offers warm flavor, aroma, and comfort in every slice.
10 comprehensive FAQ section
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling.
2. What apples are best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply scale all ingredients proportionally.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store covered at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
5. Can I freeze it?
Yes, slice and freeze individually. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.
6. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes—add up to ¼ cup chopped nuts or soaked raisins to the apple filling.
7. Is it possible to make this sugar-free?
Use a sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in equal parts.
8. Can I use puff pastry instead of homemade dough?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry will work for a flakier variation.
9. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
Use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon vanilla paste.
10. Can I shape it differently?
Try a braided twist or a galette-style tart for visual variety.